the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Asteroid Day, observed on June 30, commemorates the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, believed to be the largest observed asteroid strike, with an explosion estimated to be roughly 1,000 times as powerful as the Hiroshima blast.
This day was co-founded by astrophysicist and famed musician Dr. Brian May of the rock group Queen, Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart, filmmaker Grig Richters, and B612 Foundation President Danica Remy. Their mission is to educate the public about the significance of asteroids—their role in the formation of our solar system, their potential as space resources, and the critical importance of defending our planet from future impacts.
Just ahead of Asteroid Day, on June 27, asteroid 2011 UL21, approximately 1.4 miles wide—roughly the size of Mount Everest—passed an estimated 4 million miles from Earth, its closest encounter in over a century. Once predicted to have a one in 71 million chance of hitting Earth by the end of the decade, experts now estimate that risk at zero.
Also this week a much smaller asteroid, roughly the size of a stadium and only recently discovered, is set to pass within approximately 75% of the distance to the moon. Both of these ancient remnants from the early solar system will be visible using a telescope.
While a planet-killing asteroid is not expected to threaten Earth for at least the next 1,000 years, NASA recently conducted an exercise to gauge our readiness for such an event. This proactive approach underscores the importance of Asteroid Day and the ongoing efforts to safeguard our planet.
Asteroid Day is not just a time to reflect on past events but also to learn about and support the scientific endeavors that help us understand and protect our world from these celestial visitors. So, grab your telescope and join the global community in celebrating the wonders and mysteries of asteroids!
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